Other Military Claims

Elsewhere on this website we’ve listed a number of specific ways in which claims on behalf of service personnel can arise. It is important to recognise that military life is so varied that injuries can and do happen in unexpected and unusual ways. Here are just some examples:

Assault

Bullying and harassment are not always verbal. Some of our clients have been physically and sexually abused. Every assault that happens represents a shocking breach of trust – in every instance by the perpetrator, but sometimes by the chain of command too. The claim would usually be against the assailant, but it is often against the Ministry of Defence.

Negligent misstatement

If a doctor working for the forces agrees to treatment which does no physical harm but which is incompatible with service continuing there will be a possible claim against the MoD and/or the doctor for losses relating to the premature ending of a career.

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

This is an inflammation of the muscle inside the walls that divide it and is brought on by over use. Effective treatment exists but if a military doctor fails to recognise it the result can be that the service man or woman is discharged because they can’t seem to get fit. Chronic compartment syndrome is unusual in civilian life but not in the military.

Delayed diagnosis of cancer

Military Medical Officers have the same duty to recognise the signs of early cancer as civilian GPs. Regardless of whether a person is a member of the services or a civilian, if he presents with a testicular lump, for example, and this “ticks the boxes” for an urgent referral, that referral should be made.